From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Map sources for Lechlade at grid reference SU2199

Lechlade is a town in Gloucestershire, England. It is located at the southern edge of the Cotswolds. The town is named after the River Leach.

The town is a popular venue for tourism and river-based activities. There is a convenience store, food outlets, a garden centre and a 'Christmas shop'. Near the parish church of St Lawrence, in the centre of the town, there is a large open space which is now a car park. The main roads through the town are busy, as the town is situated at an important cross roads, of the A417 with the A361.

Contents 1 The River Thames 2 Youth activities 3 Location 4 External links

Lechlade is the highest town to which the River Thames is navigable by narrowboats. It is a popular 'resort' for Thames boating. Boats of different types can be hired from Lechlade, from rowing boats to river cruisers. It is possible to travel by river from here to London. The river is actually navigable for a short way further upstream, near to the village of Inglesham, where the Thames and Severn Canal joins the River Thames. Rowing boats can reach even further upstream, to Cricklade. The highest lock on the Thames is St Johns Lock, at Lechlade. There is a statue of Old Father Thames overlooking the boating activities. The view from St Johns Bridge, across the lock and the meadows to the spire of St Lawrence's church is memorable.

The River Leach flows into the Thames at St Johns Bridge.

As the A361 enters the town from the south, it crosses the River Thames, another tributary of the Thames, the River Coln, joins the Thames at the Inglesham Round House.

Lechlade has a number of activities available to its younger citizens, most of which are centred around the Memorial hall and its adjacent structure, the Lechlade Pavilion Hall.

Since 1997, the town has seen the birth and growth of 1970 Squadron of the Air Training Corps. The squadron's membership consists of young people from the town itself as well as neighbouring towns such as Fairford and Faringdon. This unit has now disbanded and all cadets transferred. Look for No 2267 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton

Behind the town hall are large playing fields and a skate park.

However, Lechlade has been a popular place for thrill seekers. Jumping off the main bridge into the water (when the police are not in the vicinity) is very popular in the summer months.^{[citation needed]}

Lechlade is situated on the A417, at its crossing with the A361. The 15th century parish church is located at grid reference SU215995.

• Lechlade-on-Thames official website
• Images the church of St Lawrence
• St Lawrence Church Website

Coordinates: 51°42′N 1°42′W